GORBACHEV'S INTELLECTUAL ODYSSEY.

Studies the factors that influenced Mikhail Gorbachev's decision to lead the Soviet Union from its totalitarian political practices towards a radical, more-democratic government. Purpose behind Gorbachev's foreign policies prior to his announcement of the establishment of a multiparty system in the country; International implications of the Soviets' move towards democracy; Allegations as to why Gorbachev has taken drastic reform moves to change the country's political system and foreign policies but seems to be timid when it comes to economic reform; Inconsistency between communist ideals and the reality of the economic and political impact of the ideals, as seen in the Soviet Union, as the primary factor that led to the change in the intellectual understanding of Gorbachev about communism.